This is the most rewarding job!

[NinetyNineRedBalloonsGoByAgain]

English teacher of 25+ years and definitely feel increasingly tired by the demands of it … BUT I’ve just had the most beautiful experience!

I was at the checkout in my local Aldi and the cashier said he really recognised me - was I on TV?! LOL I reply - nope! Then he remembers- you were my English teacher 20 years ago! You taught me a poem (“Half Caste”) that changed my life as I’d never heard poetry about my mixed heritage before!

He introduced himself and I remembered him straight away as he was a lovely but very troubled lad who used to keep me up at night with anxiety about how I could help him. He’s now 36 and happily married with kids of his own.

Sorry if this is a too boastful post but I just had to share this beautiful experience as I wouldn’t tell people IRL for fear of being seen as arrogant 😳

That's really lovely! So wonderful that your teaching had such a powerful impact and a reminder that in teaching, every moment counts.

Ah that’s amazing and you should be proud!

It is the best job. I had a kid (now a man) come into school to find me to say that his life wouldn't be the same if I hadn't been his teacher. It's humbling to realise the impact of the job.

@NinetyNineRedBalloonsGoByAgain
That is so lovely thanks for sharing. You really made a difference. One of many I’m sure.
I’m retired and the majority of my career was in Special school/ SEN advisory teaching. It’s more likely to be parents remembering or getting in touch.
A mum contacted my old school for my number and they gave me hers ( of course wouldn’t have given mine out) Her son is 21 I taught him when he was 5 and she was having a crisis and wanted my advice. It was so lovely to speak to her and get updates about him.

This is an excellent story and shows that with all that is wrong in teaching it is still worthwhile. The closest I have got to this is on one results day I went up to school to see what my Year 11s had got. One Mum came up to me with tears in her eyes and said "thank you for not giving up with my daughter" Her other Science teacher had told her at Parent's evening she would fail.

The other story that I have was I was down the local fish and chip shop and a 20 something asked me if I was Mr . He then said "You tight me science" "Your magic custard lessons were great" At least he remembered me for something

Did you see the clip where the footballer Ian Wright met his former teacher? So much respect there. It is still a worthwhile job, despite everything

This is a good prime example of how us teaching professionals can leave a good lasting impression on students.

I have been in education for 40 years this year and I’ve bumped into ex students over the years - always rewarding to see what they are doing nowadays!